A Brazilian court has issued a landmark ruling ordering the worldwide withdrawal of British pop star Adele’s 2015 song, Million Years Ago, over allegations of plagiarism. Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court ruled in favor of Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who claims Adele’s track plagiarizes his 1995 samba classic Mulheres (“Women”), recorded by famed singer Martinho da Vila.
The preliminary injunction mandates Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Adele’s labels, to immediately cease the song’s distribution across all platforms globally or face fines of $8,000 per act of non-compliance. Geraes is also pursuing lost royalties, $160,000 in damages, and songwriting credit.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer, hailed the decision as a victory for Brazilian music, often targeted for uncredited international use. “This ruling sends a clear message to foreign artists and producers who consider exploiting Brazilian music without permission,” Trotta told AFP.
This is not the first time Million Years Ago has faced plagiarism claims. In 2015, Turkish fans alleged similarities between Adele’s song and Acılara Tutunmak (“Clinging to Pain”), a 1985 track by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya.
Brazil’s decision underscores its commitment to protecting intellectual property as a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention on copyrighted works. The case will continue as the court determines further legal action.
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